This year the awards gala dinner will take place in Barcelona on 3 June – a fitting location to celebrate family businesses; given the significant role family businesses play in the Spanish economy and society.

In Spain, 85% of businesses are categorised as family-owned, and they contribute 70% of Spain's GDP. Indeed many of Spain’s most well known brands, including Zara or Santander, have a strong family element.

Nicholas Moody, editor of CampdenFB and a member of the judging panel, is excited about celebrating the best examples of European family-owned businesses.

“Family businesses are crucial to the health of Europe's economy. They contribute more than 50% to the eurozone's private sector activity and are playing a crucial role in the recovery of many of the hard-pressed economies of the region. The awards salute the best-in-breed and we think it’s vital to champion their achievements.”

Public nominations will remain open on the awards site for the next seven weeks, closing on 21 March.